TL; DR
- The FASTag-based annual pass is a permit that allows Indian citizens to travel on highways without the hassle of stopping and paying at every toll plaza.
- The annual toll pass addresses a long-standing issue regarding toll plazas located within 60 km of citizens’ homes, where they’d have to pay a toll every time they passed through the plaza.
To ease frequent highway trips for Indian citizens, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a FASTag-based annual pass for Rs. 3,000. The facility will be available for non-commercial private vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans, from August 15, 2025.
What is The FASTag-Based Annual Pass?
The FASTag-based annual pass is a permit that allows Indian citizens to travel on highways without the hassle of stopping and paying at every toll plaza. Once a citizen pays Rs. 3,000 (for an annual permit), they should be able to travel for one year from the date of activation or for up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.
Also Read: NHAI Increases Toll Charges By Up To 5% Across National Highways And Expressways
How To Activate Your FASTag-Based Annual Toll Pass?
- Once the Government of India releases the facility on August 15, 2025, citizens can log in to the Rajmarg Yatra app and verify the details of their vehicle and the linked FASTag.
- Once the verification process is complete, citizens must pay the stipulated fee (Rs. 3,000) through the official app (or the NHAI’s website).
- Upon confirmation of the payment, the annual toll pass should be registered and activated on the concerned FASTag.
It is worth noting that you cannot obtain an annual pass for a FASTag issued with a chassis number. The Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) is a mandatory requirement.
What Does A “Trip” Constitute?
According to reports, a trip refers to each crossing of a toll plaza for open toll highways or a pair of entry and exit points on closed-tolling highways. For instance, the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway is a closed-toll highway; therefore, a trip should include both the entry and exit points. On the other hand, on open toll highways, every toll could count as one trip.
Also Read: New FASTag Rules by NPCI Every Indian Traveler Should Be Aware About
Why Did The Ministry Launch The Rs. 3,000 Annual Toll Pass?
Until now, people living within 20km of a toll plaza would have to pay Rs. 340 per month for passing the plaza. However, there was no exception for those living within 60 km of a toll, even if citizens had to cross multiple tolls during short, everyday commutes.
The annual toll pass addresses a long-standing issue regarding toll plazas located within 60 km of citizens’ homes, where they’d have to pay a toll every time they passed through the plaza, even for shorter or one-day trips. Even otherwise, the annual toll pass will reduce the time spent on a toll plaza, minimize traffic, and “minimize disputes at toll plazas.”
FASTag Annual Pass: Netizens’ Concerns And Doubts
It’s worth highlighting here that disputes at toll plazas often stem from a lack of knowledge or non-adherence to the rules set by the National Highway Authority of India. While the annual toll pass surely has the potential to curb them, there must be ample enforcement to settle any issues that arise due to confusion related to the new yearly toll pass.
However, we’re curious to know whether the annual toll pass will be accessible through the existing FASTags, and if yes, what are the chances of double charging?
Also Read: Check FASTag Balance: Step-by-step guide on how to check FASTag balance (6 Ways)
Furthermore, reports indicate that the annual toll pass will only be valid on national highways and expressways, not on expressways and highways managed by state governments. In this case, do citizens have to pay in addition to the annual toll pass for traveling on state-operated highways?
We hope that the regulatory bodies address the concerns and increase awareness about their new, and potentially revolutionary product.
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